Soundcraft adds to Vi Series

UK/GERMANY: Soundcraft has taken the platform provided by the Vi Series digital desks to "another, more affordable level" with the release of the new Vi1 console. Incorporating Vistonics, Lexicon FX and BSS EQs, the Soundcraft Vi1 will be showcased at ProLight+Sound 2010 in Frankfurt next week.

By test
, Mar 16, 2010

UK/GERMANY: Soundcraft has taken the platform provided by the Vi Series digital desks to "another, more affordable level" with the release of the new Vi1 console. Incorporating Vistonics, Lexicon FX and BSS EQs, the Soundcraft Vi1 will be showcased at ProLight+Sound 2010 in Frankfurt next week.

Soundcraft reports that many users have asked for a smaller, lower-priced desk that still has the acclaimed Vistonics user interface, as well as the "now-legendary optimal sound quality" established with the Vi Series.

Soundcraft Vi1 is a complete standalone console package with 32 channels of analogue input to 27 analogue outputs, plus 6 digital inputs, 4 Stereo FX Returns and 6 digital outputs in one chassis. As standard, input to mix capacity is 46chs, but by adding a stagebox (compatible with the existing Vi racks) simultaneous channel count increases to 64. Channels are routable to 24 multifunction busses, plus LR and Mono Mix busses. Up to 8 of the busses can be configured as Matrix mixes, each with up to 16 sources. The compact surface is just over a metre wide, and includes 16 motorised channel faders with fixed and user-definable layers, 8 output/VCA faders and 2 master faders.

Other features include the new Widescreen Vistonics interface, which will be familiar to users of a Vi6 or Vi4. This new development shows two sets of 8 channel components on 32 rotary encoders at the same time, as well as the master section, on a single 22" Vistonics touch screen. Exactly the same channel functionality as the Vi6 and Vi4 is available here, along with all the same core snapshot, talkback and monitoring facilities.

The Vi1 inherits many of the facilities of its larger siblings, including Soundcraft FaderGlow, 4 stereo Lexicon effects engines, BSS Audio graphic EQs on all output busses, and integral dynamics on all channels. In addition, the desk is totally compatible with Vi4 and Vi6 show files through the Virtual Vi offline editor, which is available as a free download from the Soundcraft website (link below).

Soundcraft's Dave Neal tells PSN-e: "The new Soundcraft Vi1 embodies all the attributes of the established and highly-respected Soundcraft Vi Series in a smaller, less expensive format for touring and installed sound where the extensive I/O capabilities of the Vi Series are not required. Exceptional sound quality, the Vistonics user interface, Soundcraft FaderGlow and integral Lexicon effects and BSS graphic EQs make this a very attractive proposition."

Neal adds that the Vi1 "also has a home" in theatre and broadcast production applications.